Despite injuries to at least four first-choice players, Smith has named a strong initial 21 for Thursday’s game and some good players are set to miss out.
Rhinos’ spine appears settled, but decisions will have to be made in the three-quarters and up front. Here’s a predicted lineup.
![Rhinos' new number one will start in that role against one of his former clubs.](https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOmNmZTQ0ZTAzLWI2YjMtNGI0Ny04NWVkLTQ4MWRjMmNiNTE4NjplNWUzYzQ4My1mNzUwLTQ4ZDQtYTJiNi0zMmU5MmQyZWNjNGU=.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=640)
1. Full-back: Richie Myler
Rhinos' new number one will start in that role against one of his former clubs.Photo: Steve Riding
![The three-quarters are a puzzle, but Tindall did well at the end of last season and his inclusion allows for movement elsewhere.](https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOmY0ZjNlMjA5LTYyNTYtNDhjZS1iZGQ3LTRhYzc3NDcxZWEwMjpkZDBjYzRjOC0xNGY4LTQyNGItYjAzNC01YTllODZmZDRhYjA=.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=640)
2. Wing: Liam Tindall
The three-quarters are a puzzle, but Tindall did well at the end of last season and his inclusion allows for movement elsewhere.Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
![Will surely be in the 13 if fit, but that could be either at wing or centre, which is where he was pencilled in when he signed.](https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOmVkMWRlOTU0LWE2ZWEtNGUyNy05NTM5LTZlYjMyYWYwZTJjYjo3NDgzYWMyZC04MzIwLTQwNDItYTI0MS1lMmY1ODdkMmFiNDc=.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=640)
3. Centre: Derrell Olpherts
Will surely be in the 13 if fit, but that could be either at wing or centre, which is where he was pencilled in when he signed.Photo: Steve Riding
![Luis Roberts and Rhyse Martin are other options, but - if fit - Handley will certainly be in the 13 and he started at centre in the final pre-season game.](https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOmEzOTdkYWYzLTkxNjEtNDE0NC04MWYzLWQyYjRkYWJkNjUyNjpmM2ZkNDA0YS1iOWUyLTQyN2MtODFkMS1iNThkNzI3NTI5OTY=.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=640)
4. Centre: Ash Handley
Luis Roberts and Rhyse Martin are other options, but - if fit - Handley will certainly be in the 13 and he started at centre in the final pre-season game.Photo: Steve Riding
![Could be at centre, but played on the wing for Rhinos last season.](https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjZjYjZhMzVjLTEzOGMtNGUzZC1iYmM1LThkMWQxY2MzZGUyOTo4YjJiYjAxYy02Y2Q5LTQ0NmYtODUyMi1jOWYwZjQ1MDgxMmY=.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=640)
5. Wing: David Fusitu'a
Could be at centre, but played on the wing for Rhinos last season.Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
![One of coach Smith's easier decisions.](https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOmQzMjMxNWE0LWZkMDMtNGQ5Mi1hY2M1LTk4YjA3MzMyZjVlMzoxMjY0NDBhMy1hMmY3LTRmMjgtOWQxMy0zNzA1YmEzMWI1Mzk=.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=640)
6. Stand-off: Blake Austin
One of coach Smith's easier decisions.Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com